Play resumes in England-India Test

BIRMINGHAM: Play on the second day of the third Test between England and India at Edgbaston here on Thursday got underway 30 minutes late after a rain delay.

England were 84 without loss in reply to India's first innings 224, with captain Andrew Strauss 52 not out and fellow left-handed opener Alastair Cook 27 not out when the match resumed in sunshine.

Strauss, after winning the toss Wednesday, saw his seamers reduce the tourists to 111 for seven before India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni made a dashing 77. But it was not enough to get India to 300 -- something they've failed to do all series.

Pace bowlers Stuart Broad (four for 53) and Tim Bresnan (four for 62) did the bulk of the damage.

England are 2-0 up in this four-match series after thumping wins by 196 and 319 runs in the first and second Tests at Lord's and Trent Bridge respectively.

Victory at Edgbaston will not only see them win this series but also replace India at the top of the ICC's Test Championship table. (AFP)